This petition is to show Benderson Development that we care about saving the historic North Park Branch Library from demolition and that we thrive for the public green space in which surrounds the building.

We understand that the building has been vacant for almost 10 years due to asbestos and lead paint; however, we were lead to believe that the library was only being relocated temporarily until the building was back up to code. We feel like we've been let down. We also understand that Benderson Development purchased this property and as the land / building owners, they essentially have the right to do so as they please with the property; however, we want to argue and emphasize the importance that the historic building and its surrounding land has for North Buffalo.

Of the four corners within the Delaware & Hertel intersection, 3 of them are congested with strip malls, chain fast-food restaurants and vacant, prairie-like parking lots. The corner in which the library stands is the only corner remaining with green space, benches, bike racks, trees, shade, and some relief from the carbon emissions that urban dwellers so desperately try to avoid. In addition, there is a mass amount of residential streets with families on the side of the intersection where Benderson plans to demolish and build. If the library were preserved, children would not have to cross the busy and unwalkable multi-laned streets to get to the library, which is currently housed in a suburban style strip mall in an abandoned parking lot, next door to a pool hall with a bar.

The closed library building is charming, historic, and the definition of what a library should feel like: quant, inviting, and calming. The design and materials are that of quality. New development will likely not have good materials or continuity. Urbanists and millennials are not seeking new development to shop, dine, or dwell. They are seeking places with integrity to the neighborhood and good design. The last thing that Delaware and Hertel needs is another let-down. We need to redesign the intersection, while preserving the library, for the #NewNorthBuffalo that it's becoming.

Finally, if the former library cannot feasibly stay open as a library due to the sale from the city to Benderson, we propose that it is preserved with a new use, for example, a coffee shop, book store, or a small business center. We just feel that demolishing, which all leads to the landfill, is not the best plan for that space. Re-using the already built infrastructure and land would build the community for what defines Buffalo, NY!